picture © Union Glashütte

Union Glashütte Novelties 2004
presented in Munich, February 2004

by Marcus Hanke

© Text: M. Hanke; © pictures: M. Hanke, if not noted otherwise

As you know, UNION Glashütte is distributed in Germany and Austria only. This is the reason why for many years, UNION presented its novelties not at one of the big watch fairs held in Switzerland, but some weeks earlier, at the German watch and jewellery fair "Inhorgenta" in Munich. Most German and Austrian dealers attend that show, additionally it helps to keep the two brands, Glashütte Original and Union Glashütte apart a bit, when not both show their novelties at the same opportunity.

This year, however, Union decided to take a different approach: Fleeing from the fair's hectic, the executives hired a suite in one of Munich's most traditional and prestigious hotels, the "Bayerischer Hof", in the city's centre. The luxurious ambience was certainly a better framework for the new 2004 collection of Union watches than a huge multi-purpose exhibition hall. Consequently, I gladly drove the 150 kilometres from my hometown to Munich, when I got the invitation to the watch presentation "en suite".

Beautiful Munich is always worth a trip; the more so, if you can see fine new watches!

The Hotel "Bayerischer Hof", where Union's presentation took place

When I arrived, Dr. Müller, president of Glashütte Original, surprised me with a warm welcome and spent much of his valuable time by personally showing me the novelties. Together with his friendly executive for public relation, Mrs. Böhme, he presented some extremely attractive watches.

111 years ago, in 1893, the merchantman Johannes Dürrstein founded the UNION manufacture in Glashütte. This - rather unusual - anniversary was the reason to offer a very exclusive series of selfwinding watches.

Until now, a small second, or a pointer date was limited to the handwinding watches offered first by Glashütte Original, then by Union. After some modifications, these unique displays are now available based on the selfwinding cal. 26 movement.

The anniversary series consists of three watches in stainless steel cases, limited to 111 pieces each; small second, pointer date and chronograph (without date).

Their common feature is the beautifully black galvanized dial. Union did more than simply print black versions of their standard dials: In fact, the design reminds me of a photographic negative of the beautiful Bergter watches: The numerals are the same, but held in white, and the "railway type" minute register now shows the the white spaces between the invisible lines. Eight of the small white rectangles, paired at 12, 3, 6 and 9, are covered with luminous mass, as are the sword-shaped hands. The small hands of the subials are kept in red, which prevents the watches from looking too sober. The attractive design is complemented by fine black leather straps, for which the customer can choose between either white or red stitching.

© pictures Union Glashütte

To the dealers the anniversary edition is sold as a set, but they are free to distribute them individually.

I was very impressed by the anniversary series, which looks very classy and exclusive. I am sure that it will find many friends.

Maybe you remember me nagging about the lack of different dial options for GO and Union watches? Well, it seems that I have been heard, partially at least: Since this year, the perpetual calendar from the Diplomat series will be available with an extremely beautiful black dial. I immediately fell in love with that new variant, especially with the white background behind the white gold moon. It looks absolutely wonderful, in my opinion by far the most attractive variant of the perpetual! Hopefully, Union will decide to offer that dial also for the other watches in the Diplomat series. As you can see on my pictures, however, the dark face would really benefit from an anti-reflective coating of the crystal. This is, by the way, also valid for the anniversary series. Maybe this improvement could still be implemented into the production?

© picture Union Glashütte

Finally, I was shown what for me are the most beautiful Unions I ever held in my hands: the small second and the power reserve/moon phase from the classic Bergter series, encased in 18k pink gold. Please let me assure you that I was really speechless at the first sight of these beauties!

Union chose a gold alloy different from the first limited gold series, and also different from the GO watches. The new Bergter gold seems to have a bit more copper in it, resulting in a stunningly warm colour tone. While the case is massive and heavy, when weighed in the hand, it expresses sheer elegance when worn on the wrist. These watches are neither stealthy, nor flashy, but absolutely wonderful!

As their steel counterparts, each model is limited to 200 pieces. As I understood, we possibly might see the other Bergter models in gold as well, in the years to come.

© pictures Union Glashütte

I think that Union is successfully consolidating its current lineup of watches. After the Diplomat series, launched last year, has been met with huge enthusiasm and was an immediate big seller, now the anniversary series, the black Diplomat perpetual and of course the golden Bergters show the wish to satisfy the demand for style alternatives, and of course a new self-confidence, with the presentation of the wonderful gold cases.

I thanked Dr. Müller and Mrs. Böhme for the presentation and their time, and drove home with the confidence that the brand Union Glashütte has accomplished another chapter in its story of success.

Oh yes, just in case you are eager to get your hands on one (or more) of the beauties shown above: The new watches will be available in May.